U.S. patent application number 12/866636 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-30 for system and method of cosmetic analysis and treatment diagnosis.
Invention is credited to Gregory Goodman.
Application Number | 20100329525 12/866636 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40956559 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100329525 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goodman; Gregory |
December 30, 2010 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD OF COSMETIC ANALYSIS AND TREATMENT DIAGNOSIS
Abstract
A method and system is provided for performing cosmetic analysis
of a subject. Assessment data of observable characteristics of each
of a plurality of defined body areas of a subject is converted to
weighted data for each of the plurality of defined body areas. This
weighted data is analysed to generate cosmetic analysis data. This
cosmetic analysis data can include an apparent age of the subject.
The cosmetic analysis data is then provided to a user such as a
cosmetic surgeon, beauty therapist or the subject themself. The
system and method can be further adapted to perform treatment
diagnosis for the subject based on the cosmetic analysis data.
Inventors: |
Goodman; Gregory; (
Victoria, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAVID A. GUERRA;INTERNATIONAL PATENT GROUP, LLC
Suite 700, 1816 Crowchild Trail N.W.
CALGARY
AB
T2M 3Y7
CA
|
Family ID: |
40956559 |
Appl. No.: |
12/866636 |
Filed: |
February 12, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
February 12, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU09/00166 |
371 Date: |
August 6, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
382/128 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G16H 50/30 20180101;
G16H 50/20 20180101; G16H 50/70 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
382/128 |
International
Class: |
G06K 9/00 20060101
G06K009/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 14, 2008 |
AU |
2008900695 |
Claims
1-32. (canceled)
33. A computer implemented cosmetic analysis method comprising the
steps of: receiving assessment data of observable characteristics
of each of a plurality of defined body areas of a subject via at
least one input interface connected to a processor; converting said
assessment data for each of said plurality of defined body areas to
weighted data associated with each body area; generating cosmetic
analysis data from said weighted data; and outputting said cosmetic
analysis data via at least one output interface connected to said
processor.
34. The method as claimed in claim 33, wherein said cosmetic
analysis data includes an overall subject apparent age value for
said subject.
35. The method as claimed in claim 34, wherein said step of
converting said assessment data further comprising the steps of:
determining from said assessment data an aging rating value for
each area; and applying to each aging rating value a weighting for
said area relating a contribution of said aging rating of said area
to said overall subject apparent age to provide weighted data for
said area.
36. The method as claimed in claim 35, wherein said applied
weighting for each area of said body is based on subject
gender.
37. The method as claimed in claim 35, wherein said applied
weighting for each area of said body is based on subject
ethnicity.
38. The method as claimed in claim 34 further comprising the step
of determining body areas providing greatest influence on said
overall subject apparent age value.
39. The method as claimed in claim 34 further comprising the step
of ranking body areas based on relative contribution to said
overall subject apparent age value.
40. The method as claimed in claim 33 further comprising the step
of diagnosing and suggesting one or more treatments for each of
said one or more body areas.
41. The method as claimed in claim 40 further comprising the step
of ranking suggested treatments based on given criteria.
42. The method as claimed in claim 41, wherein said given criteria
is specified by a user.
43. The method as claimed in claim 40 further comprising the step
of ranking suggested treatments based on influence of said body
area for which said treatment is suggested on said subject apparent
age.
44. The method as claimed in claim 40 further comprising the step
of developing a treatment plan for said subject.
45. The method as claimed in claim 40, wherein said treatment plan
is based on specified criteria.
46. The method as claimed in claim 45, wherein said criteria
including one or more of subject permitted surgical and non
surgical criteria, complementary treatment grouping, body area
treatment grouping, and specified treatment or recovery times.
47. The method as claimed in claim 40, wherein said step of
diagnosing and suggesting one or more treatments for each of said
one or more body areas is performed by at least one treatment
diagnosis module, and said step of converting said assessment data
for each of said plurality of defined body areas to weighted data
associated with each body area is performed by at least one
cosmetic analysis module.
48. The method as claimed in claim 33, wherein said assessment data
is the result of a survey
49. The method as claimed in claim 48 further comprising the step
of a subject performing a self assessment survey.
50. A computer readable storage medium comprising a plurality of
instructions, which when executed, causes the computer to perform
the steps of: receiving assessment data of observable
characteristics of each of a plurality of defined body areas of a
subject via at least one input interface connected to a processor;
converting said assessment data for each of said plurality of
defined body areas to weighted data associated with each body area,
said step of converting said assessment data further comprising the
steps of: determining from said assessment data an aging rating
value for each area; and applying to each aging rating value a
weighting for said area relating a contribution of said aging
rating of said area to said overall subject apparent age to provide
weighted data for said area; generating cosmetic analysis data from
said weighted data, said cosmetic analysis data including an
overall subject apparent age value for said subject; and outputting
said cosmetic analysis data via at least one output interface
connected to said processor.
51. The computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 50,
wherein said applied weighting for each area of said body is based
from the group consisting of subject gender, and subject
ethnicity.
52. The computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 50
further comprising the steps of: determining body areas providing
greatest influence on said overall subject apparent age value; and
ranking body areas based on relative contribution to said overall
subject apparent age value.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to cosmetic analysis of skin
characteristics. An example of an application of an embodiment of
the present invention is for analysing the apparent age of a
person's skin.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is known for cosmetic surgeons and beauticians to treat
characteristics of a person's skin which alter with age or health,
such a wrinkling and discoloration, in order to minimise apparent
aging of the person.
[0003] It is known to use "before" and "after" pictures in order to
demonstrate the apparent effect a treatment may have on a person.
However, it is difficult to quantify the actual difference between
"before and after" pictures. There is also a negative perception
about the use of "before and after" pictures within the cosmetic
treatment industry and governing bodies as such "before and after"
demonstrations can be used in a misleading manner.
[0004] There is a need for a quantifiable analysis of
characteristics of a person's appearance for use in the cosmetic
treatment industry.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention there is
provided a cosmetic analysis system comprising: [0006] an input
interface adapted to receive assessment data of observable
characteristics of each of a plurality of defined body areas of a
subject; [0007] a cosmetic analysis module adapted to convert the
assessment data for each of the plurality of defined body areas to
weighted data associated with each body area and generate cosmetic
analysis data from the weighted data; and [0008] an output
interface adapted to output the cosmetic analysis data.
[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention there
is provided a cosmetic analysis method comprising the steps of:
[0010] receiving assessment data of observable characteristics of
each of a plurality of defined body areas of a subject; [0011]
converting the assessment data for each of the plurality of defined
body areas to weighted data associated with each body area; [0012]
generating cosmetic analysis data from the weighted data; and
[0013] outputting the cosmetic analysis data.
[0014] The cosmetic analysis data can include an overall subject
apparent age value for the subject.
[0015] In an embodiment assessment data for each area of the body
is based on apparent age of the area of the body.
[0016] In an embodiment converting the assessment data comprises:
[0017] determining from the assessment data an aging rating value
for each area; and [0018] applying to each aging rating value a
weighting for the area relating the contribution of the aging
rating of the area to an overall subject apparent age to provide
weighted data for the area.
[0019] The applied weighting for each area of the body can be
further based on subject gender. The applied weighting for each
area of the body can be further based on subject ethnicity.
[0020] Generated cosmetic analysis data can identify one or more
body areas significantly influencing the overall subject apparent
age value. Identifying the body areas significantly influencing the
overall subject apparent age value can be based on comparing the
actual age of the subject with the overall subject apparent age
value.
[0021] Generated cosmetic analysis data can include data ranking
body areas based on relative contribution to the overall subject
apparent age value.
[0022] An embodiment of the system further comprises a treatment
diagnosis module adapted to determine one or more suggested
treatments for each of one or more body areas and output suggested
treatment data. Suggested treatments can be ranked based on given
criteria. The given criteria may be specified by a user.
[0023] Ranking suggested treatments may also be based on influence
of the body area for which the treatment is suggested on overall
subject apparent age.
[0024] The treatment diagnosis module can be further adapted to
develop a treatment plan for the subject. The treatment plan can be
based on selected criteria. For example the criteria may include
one or more of subject permitted surgical and non surgical
criteria, complementary treatment grouping, body area treatment
grouping and specified treatment or recovery times.
[0025] In an embodiment subject assessment data is obtained from a
subject survey. For example, the survey may be conducted as a self
assessment by a subject or completed by a subject during a
consultation with a therapist or cosmetic surgeon. In an embodiment
of the system the input interface receives assessment data from the
results of a survey taken by the subject.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] An embodiment, incorporating all aspects of the invention,
will now be described by way of example only with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which
[0027] FIG. 1 A block diagram of an embodiment of a cosmetic
analysis system.
[0028] FIG. 2 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a cosmetic
analysis method.
[0029] FIG. 3 A functional block diagram of an embodiment of the
invention.
[0030] FIG. 4 An example of images used for guiding assessment of
body area characteristics.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and
system for performing cosmetic analysis of a subject. Assessment
data of observable characteristics of each of a plurality of
defined body areas of a subject is received. The assessment data is
converted to weighted data for each of the plurality of defined
body areas. This weighted data is analysed to generate cosmetic
analysis data. This cosmetic analysis data can include an apparent
age of the subject. The cosmetic analysis data is then provided to
a user such as a cosmetic surgeon, beauty therapist or the subject
themself.
[0032] The cosmetic analysis system comprises a cosmetic analysis
module 110, and input interface 120 and an output interface 130.
The input interface 120 is adapted to receive assessment data of
observable characteristics of each of a plurality of defined body
areas of a subject. The cosmetic analysis module 110 is adapted to
convert the assessment data for each of the plurality of defined
body areas to weighted data associated with each body area. The
weighting for each body area relates the assessed aging of the body
area, based on the observed characteristics, in combination with
the contribution of this assessed aging to an overall apparent age
for the subject.
[0033] The cosmetic analysis module 110 then analyses the weighted
data to generate cosmetic analysis data. The cosmetic analysis data
is then output via the output interface 130. In some embodiments
the input interface 120 and output interface 130 may be provided as
a combined input/output interface 125.
[0034] The human body can be divided into a plurality of areas such
that each body area is associated with an observable
characteristic, the size of the body areas may vary. The body areas
can be defined by the features associated with the observable
characteristics. For example, a body area may be defined as the
facial under eye area associated with bags and discoloration, also
known as dark circles. This area is known to cosmetic surgeons and
therapists as the infraorbital area. Typical aging problems with
this area are lines under the eyes and fat pads in the lower eye
lid. This infraorbital area is separately defined and assessed from
the area around the outer corner of the eye associated with
wrinkles known as "crows feet", the upper eye lid can further be
defined as a body area and assessed independent of the under eye
and outer eye corner areas.
[0035] The assessment of each body area is based on observable
characteristics of the body area. One or more characteristics may
be associated with each body area. This assessment can be performed
based on a straight observation of the area by the subject or by a
third party such as a cosmetic surgeon, beautician, or therapist.
For example, assessment data may be collected using a survey either
completed as a self assessment by the subject or by a consultant
such as a therapist or cosmetic surgeon based on observation of the
subject. The assessment may also be performed using an automated
video assessment technique. The assessment of each area is based on
apparent signs of aging specific to the area. For example a rating
system as illustrated in table 1 may be used:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Rating Aging scale A Youthful: no
discernable signs of aging B Mild: barely perceptible signs of
aging C Moderate: perceptible signs of aging D Severe: distinct
signs of aging E Extreme: extreme signs of aging
[0036] Distinguishing between ratings for each area is based on the
severity of aging signs such as the permanence and dept of wrinkles
or discoloration. A guide for each area outlining the signs of
aging and/or guidelines for distinguishing may be used to
distinguish between ratings. For example, the difference between
youthful and mild aging in relation to crows feet can be determined
based on whether lines appear on movement, such as smiling, or not.
Whereas the difference between severe aging and extreme aging can
be based on the depth and number of permanent crows feet
wrinkles.
[0037] In an alternative embodiment images of examples of the
appearance of each body area at different rankings may be provided.
For example, for each body area a sequence of images showing
different levels of aging may be provided and the user select the
image which corresponds most closely with the observable
characteristics of the body area of the subject. Such images may be
provided in an electronic form, such as digital image files
published on an Internet web site or computer readable media such
as a CD or in a hardcopy form, say printed in a book or poster.
FIG. 4 illustrates a sequence of such images focusing on the
nasolabial fold area. The sequence of images show an example of the
nasolabial fold area of a 25 year old 410, a 35 year old 420, a 45
year old 430, a 55 year old 440 and a 65 year old 450 a description
415, 425, 435, 445 and 455 may also be provided for each image, the
description may also include treatment suggestions.
[0038] The images may be photographs of body areas of exemplary
subjects, computer generated images, illustrations or caricatures
of the observable characteristics of each body area. Images may be
supplemented with a description of the characteristic and of aging
indicators for the characteristic to assist making an assessment.
Alternatively assessment of each area may be based on an collation
of assessment values for individual characteristics of an area, so
a subject can answer a series of questions like "Do your crows feet
only appear when smiling?" with YES/NO or multiple choice answers,
rather than a subject having to decide on a ranking for an area.
Alternatively assessment may be performed for an area of the body
based on a comparison of a stored image and a newly captured image
of the body area of the subject being assessed. For example, an
image of the back of a person's hand may be captured by a digital
video or still camera and displayed along side an image selected
from a set of stored images for the area. The assessor can then
input an assessment based on a comparison of the two images, for
example in response to the question "Which image appears older?" or
"In which image do the veins appear more prominent?" The input
response can then be used as assessment data. Alternatively, the
assessor's response can be used to select a further image to
display and/or question to ask to invoke a further response until
given criteria are satisfied for the assessment data. For example,
criteria for assessment data for a hand may require an assessor to
have viewed 3 images and selected the one closest in apparent age
to the captured image and given responses in respect of vein
appearance, wrinkles, skin tone, calluses and finger nail
appearance.
[0039] Assessing each body area individually in this manner,
isolated from other body areas, targets the assessment to the
particular characteristic of interest and the assessment can be
performed more objectively than an assessment where an overall
impression of a subject's appearance is used. Assessing each body
area in isolation also means an impartial assessment of each body
area can be performed which, in turn, avoids the impression of
subjective "before" and "after" style assessments.
[0040] The assessment data for each body area is input 210 to the
system 100 for cosmetic analysis as illustrated in FIG. 2. The
assessment data is processed 220 and a weighting applied 230 for
each body area. For example processing the assessment data may
comprise interpreting answers to survey questions and selecting a
defined numerical value associated with the answer or translation
of an A-E ranking into a numerical value. This value may then have
a weighting function applied to convert the assessment data into
weighted data. For example, the value may be multiplied by a
weighting value for the area of the body to provide a weighted
value for the body area. Alternatively processing the assessment
data and applying a weighting may comprise interpreting an A-E
ranking for a body area by using the ranking to look up a defined
weighted value for the body area.
[0041] In an embodiment the weighting applied for each area of the
body is based on the relationship between an aging rating of the
area of the body and overall subject age. An apparent age for the
body area can be associated with each ranking, for example A 25
years, B 35 Years, C 45 years, D 55 years and E 65+ years. For each
area of the body a numerical weighting can be specified for each
ranking which relates the apparent age of the area to the
contribution to overall subject age. The cosmetic analysis module
applies the weighting for each area in accordance with the assessed
ranking. It should be appreciated that as each area is assessed
independently not all body areas of the subject may exhibit the
same apparent age. Some areas may appear more or less youth-full
than others. The weighting applied for each area of the body may
also take into consideration the influence of a particular body
area on the overall apparent age of the subject. For example, neck
wrinkles may have more influence on the apparent age of a person
than facial wrinkles.
[0042] An embodiment of a cosmetic analysis module implemented in a
processor is illustrated in FIG. 3, in this embodiment the
functions of the cosmetic analysis module are implemented as
software executable by the processor 310. In an embodiment, as
illustrated in FIG. 3, a weighting module 312 is provided to apply
the weighting to the assessment data in accordance with weighted
values provided in a look-up table 313 or database accessible by
the processor. In this embodiment the weighting module 312 looks up
the appropriate weighted value in the table based on the input rank
and body area, each looked up weighted value becomes an item in a
set of weighted data which can then be analysed, by an cosmetic
analyser 315, to generate cosmetic analysis data. The weighting
tables 313 or database may be accessed over a network, such as the
Internet. In this embodiment the weighting value for each ranking
for each body area is predefined. Different weighting tables may be
provided for each gender and optionally weighting tables based on
race or ethnicity may also be provided. In an alternative
embodiment a plurality of mathematical weighting functions may be
defined based on one or more of the body area, gender and race or
ethnicity, and the mathematical weighting functions applied to an
aging value for each area determined from the assessment data.
[0043] Cosmetic analysis 240 is performed on the weighted data to
determine the subject's apparent age 250. In an embodiment the
subject's apparent age is determined by summing weighted values and
comparing the sum total with benchmark or predetermined sum values
for each age. The benchmark sum values can be based on analysed
data of a model subject typical of the age or based on theoretical
or statistical model characteristic data.
[0044] An advantage of the weighting system is that cosmetic
analysis 240 can also determine the relative influence of areas of
the body on the subject's apparent age. Where an area of the body
is assessed at a relatively higher ranking than other most areas of
the body, this area may have a greater influence on the apparent
age than other areas based on the weighting applied to the area.
For example, the relative influence of each area can be determined
by analysing the weighted data. The analysis may be based on a
comparison of the weighted values, the greatest having the most
influence or a percentage analysis. The cosmetic analysis may also
take into consideration related areas, for example areas related to
a particular facial area or feature such as the eyes, neck, mouth
or hands. A plurality of related areas each having relatively high
weighted values may be determined to be more influential to the
subject's apparent age than another isolated body area having a
relatively high weighting value.
[0045] The weighting applied to the assessment data for each area
of the body can also be based on subject gender. Different
characteristics may also be defined for assessment for different
genders. The advantage of applying different weighting values based
on gender is that characteristics of areas of the body can have a
different effect on the apparent age depending on the gender of the
subject, further the amount of variation in some characteristics at
different ages can vary between male and females. For example,
hairlines and hair thickness are influential to apparent age for
both men and women. However, for men, hairlines and hair thickness
can vary significantly between different ages. Whereas hairlines
and hair thickness does not vary as much over different ages in
women as in men.
[0046] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the cosmetic
analyser 315 may optionally reference the weighting look up tables
313 during cosmetic analysis.
[0047] Determining the body areas influencing the apparent age of
the subject can also be based on comparing the actual age and
apparent age of the subject. For example the look up tables 313 may
be referred by the cosmetic analyser 315 for assessing the relative
influence of different body areas on the apparent age by looking up
weighted values for a body area based on the subject's actual age
and comparing this with the weighted data. Thus, where a subject's
apparent age is older than their actual age, the body areas causing
this older appearance can be identified. Where a subject's apparent
age is the same or younger than their apparent age, the cosmetic
analysis data can also be analysed to identify which areas of the
body appear younger than their actual age and which appear older.
This data can be useful to identify which body areas may benefit
from remedial treatment compared to maintenance treatment.
[0048] Assessment of body areas for the influence on apparent aging
can also be based on the assessment results for groups of
characteristics, wherein the groups are defined by body area. For
example, assessment results for characteristics of the forehead and
hairline region may form one group and assessment results for the
eye region may form another group. The weighted values for each
group can be summed and a relative influence value for the group
determined.
[0049] Embodiments can also include a treatment diagnosis module
318 adapted to determine one or more suggested treatments 260 for
each of one or more body areas. The diagnosis module 318 may be
implemented in the processor 310 or in a separate processor. For
example, cosmetic analysis data may be sent via the internet to an
independent diagnosis processor for treatment diagnosis. The
treatment diagnosis module may have access to a treatment database
317 storing data relating to a plurality of available treatments.
The treatment database 317 may be accessed via a network, such as
the internet. In an alternative embodiment weighting values and
treatment options are provided in a single look up table or
database. Alternatively more than one treatment database maybe
provided and the diagnosis module adapted to request treatment data
from one or more of these databases, for example a database may be
provided by each treatment supplier. The diagnosis module can be
adapted to interpret treatment recommendations provided by each
treatment supplier in the context of the subject's cosmetic
analysis and select a subset of available treatments to suggest for
the subject. The diagnosis module may return a plurality of
treatment options for each body area.
[0050] The treatment module can diagnose appropriate treatment for
every body area or selected body areas. The number of body areas
and number of treatments proposed for each body area may be
specified by a user. Treatments may be diagnosed and ranked based
on the relative influence of the body area on the apparent age or
other criteria. The criteria may be specified by a user, such as
the subject, a cosmetic surgeon or therapist. For example, a user
or skin therapist may specify only non-invasive or non-surgical
treatments can be proscribed. Alternatively a cosmetic surgeon may
specify that only specific surgical or invasive treatments may be
suggested based on the wishes of the subject, the capabilities of
the surgeon's practice, or regulatory restrictions. Other criteria
may include allergies, surgical/non-surgical treatment preferences,
cost constraints, time constraints, local treatment or product
availability etc.
[0051] The treatment diagnosis module can be further adapted to
develop a treatment plan 270 for the subject. The treatment plan
may include a list of recommended treatments for each body area.
The treatment plan may also include a treatment time schedule. For
example the treatment time schedule may suggest timing and order
for surgical procedures or suggested groupings for complementary
treatments. The treatment diagnosis processor can also be adapted
to identify any incompatible treatments. For example where two
products which may be appropriate to treat two different
characteristics have been identified as appropriate treatments
individually but the two products may give rise to adverse side
effects if used together, this can be identified and the
appropriate warnings and scheduling recommendations included in the
treatment plan. The treatment plan may also be developed based on
user specified criteria, such as a time period available for
treatment or treatment preferences.
[0052] The cosmetic analysis data, treatment diagnosis and
treatment plan can be output 280 for use by the cosmetic surgeon,
therapist or subject. The cosmetic analysis and treatment data may
be presented in a report form for discussion between the subject
and therapist. After a discussion information such as subject
treatment preferences or limitation criteria can be entered in to
the treatment diagnosis module and an updated or tailored treatment
diagnosis report or treatment plan provided. Several iterations of
discussion and reanalysis of the treatment plan may be performed
before a final plan is decided.
[0053] Alternatively the cosmetic analysis and treatment data may
be presented in an interactive form on a display, for example on a
computer embodying the system and used to input the assessment
ranking data. Interactive presentation of cosmetic analysis and
treatment data can enable a subject and therapist or cosmetic
surgeon to discuss treatment options and select treatments to be
performed. These selections may be fed back into the treatment
diagnosis module to provide an updated treatment plan.
[0054] Further the subject's cosmetic analysis data can be stored
for comparison against a future assessment performed after one or
more treatments have been performed. The comparison can provide
feedback regarding body areas having changed ratings and hence
feedback in relation to the effectiveness of the one or more
treatments. For example, during the course of a treatment plan,
effectiveness of completed treatments can be assessed by performing
a new cosmetic analysis to compare with the original cosmetic
analysis data.
[0055] Embodiments of the system can be provided as a stand alone
apparatus or provided in the form of software modules and data
which enable the system to be implemented on a generic processing
device such as a computer or using a plurality of networked devices
such as computers, servers and databases connected via a
communication network such as the Internet. An embodiment of the
system is envisaged comprising a computer readable media storing
program instructions and data to implement an embodiment of the
system on a stand alone computer. Alternatively, a system may be
implemented utilising a network such as the Internet, enabling
users to access the system via a secure Internet web page using a
security key to input assessment data and receive cosmetic analysis
and treatment data. Security keys may be issued via a user
registration process or provided in conjunction with marketing or
educational material for the system, such as a book or CD, in which
assessment instructions, exemplary aging series of images and
guidelines are published. For example, a user purchasing the book
may be offered a key for free access to use the system, whereas a
user not purchasing the book may be required to register and pay a
fee to obtain a security key in order to use the system.
[0056] Alternatively, an interface to the system can be provided as
a software application which can be downloaded to a mobile phone,
PDA or other user device. A security key may be provided along with
the download, created for the user device, or the user device
identifier may be used for the security access code. For example,
users of an i-phone or other mobile phone may be able to download
an application which provides access to the secure web site. The
user registers to download the application using their phone via an
application server. During the course of this registration the
application server acquires the phone identifier, for example an
International Mobile Equipment Identifier (IMEI) or International
Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI), which is stored to use as the
security access code. When the user opens the application the phone
identifier is provide to the server for verification to enable
access to the secure web site. The user can then enter assessment
data using the mobile device for processing via the cosmetic
analysis module resident on the server.
[0057] In an embodiment where an application is provided on a
mobile phone, personal computer or other device which has an
embedded or connected digital camera, the application may be
adapted to use an image of the subject, captured using the camera,
for acquiring assessment data. For example, an image of the
subject's face can be captured using the digital camera. This
captured image can be mapped by the application to identify areas
of the face for assessment, for example nasolabial fold area,
crow's feet, brow, areas of the hair line etc. The specific areas
of the subject's face can then be displayed in isolation or beside
a comparison image for assessment. The user may not realise which
image is extracted from their face and which is the stored
comparison image. This can further enhance the objectiveness of the
assessment, as each area is viewed in isolation. Once the user has
entered the assessment data for each area, the assessment data can
be transmitted to the cosmetic analysis server for cosmetic
analysis and treatment diagnosis. In some embodiments some of the
cosmetic analysis may be implemented by the application running on
the phone, for example converting the input assessment data to a
ranking or weighting may be performed by the phone application,
whereas the cosmetic analysis and treatment diagnosis is performed
by the cosmetic analysis server. In an alternative embodiment, the
downloadable application may also perform the cosmetic analysis and
treatment diagnosis. This application may be a scaled down version
of the cosmetic analysis system, adapted only to assess a few
designated areas, for example, crows feet, brow wrinkles, lips and
neck. Treatment plans for such an embodiment may be limited to only
non-surgical, over the counter or lifestyle change, treatment
actions. Over the counter treatments may include recommendations
for skin care or cosmetic products and lifestyle change treatments
may include actions such as increasing water or vitamin
consumption, wear sunglasses, sleep advice, exercises, quit smoking
etc.
[0058] Embodiments of the system may be implemented as a module in
a medical practice system. For example a medical practice system
may incorporate modules for cosmetic analysis, skin care and skin
type analysis, treatment diagnosis, imaging, storage and management
of electronic patient records, appointment scheduling, and
accounting functions. Alternatively an embodiment of the cosmetic
analysis system may be adapted to output data, such as cosmetic
analysis data and treatment data in a format compatible with an
electronic patient record system or other medical practice
management system to enable recording of cosmetic analysis and
treatment data directly into a patient's record.
[0059] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description,
except where the context requires otherwise due to express language
or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as
"comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to
specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the
presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of
the invention.
[0060] It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is
referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission
that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge
in the art, in any country.
Example 1
[0061] The following example illustrates sections of weighting
value look-up tables including suggested treatments for a plurality
of treatment areas. Table A is a section of a look up table
developed for Caucasian females and Table B is a look up table
developed for Caucasian males.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE A Weight- Rank ing Description Treatment Jaw
line A 1 Tight, no redundancy No therapy B 2 Soft jaw line
definition RF tightening (eg. Thermacool), botulinum toxin C 3 Some
blurring of jaw line RF tightening and redundancy of tissues (eg.
Thermacool), with mild jowl formation botulinum toxin D 5
Indistinct jaw line with RF tightening quite obvious jowls (eg.
Thermacool), dermal fillers, suture or surgical lifting E 8
Significant sagging Suture lifts or obliterating jaw surgical face
definition, severe jowls lifting Neck bands A 1 None No therapy B 2
Mild vertical banding on Botulinum toxin certain facial movements,
little or no horizontal bands C 4 Moderate vertical banding
Botulinum toxin, on facial movement and dermal fillers mild to
moderate at rest, beginnings of horizontal bands D 7 Moderate to
severe vertical Botulinum toxin, banding on movement and suture or
surgical moderate severe at rest neck lifting with moderate
redundancy, moderate to severe horizontal banding E 10 Severe
vertical banding on Suture or surgical movement and severe at neck
lifting rest with severe redundancy, moderate to severe horizontal
banding Crows Feet A 1 None No therapy B 2 Lines only on movement
Eye skin care, +/-Botulinum toxin C 3 Moderate lines only on Eye
skin care, movement and mild at rest botulinum toxin, Consider
fractional resurfacing lasers D 5 Severe lines only on Eye skin
care, movement and moderate botulinum toxin, at rest fractional
resurfacing laser, plasma resurfacing or erbium laser resurfacing E
7 Severe lines only on Eye skin care, movement and severe plasma
resurfacing, at res erbium or CO2 laser resurfacing
[0062] A subject, Jenny a 35 year old female, performs an
assessment and inputs results: Jaw line=A, Neck bands=C, and Crows
feet=C, along with other results for the rest of the table. The
overall apparent age for Jenny determined by the cosmetic analysis
is 40 years old.
[0063] In Table A and A rating indicates characteristics of a 25
year old female and a C rating indicate characteristics of a 45
year old female.
[0064] The cosmetic analysis data output can indicate that Jenny's
neck bands and crows feet have a significant influence on her
apparent age. The data can also include the suggested treatments.
An example of the report is given below. [0065] Cosmetic analysis
for: Jenny [0066] Actual age: 35 [0067] Apparent age: 40 [0068]
Treatment target area 1: Crows Feet [0069] Assessed feature age: 45
[0070] Suggested treatment: [0071] 1. Eye skin care [0072] 2.
Botulinum toxin [0073] 3. Consider fractional resurfacing lasers
[0074] Treatment target area 2: Neck bands [0075] Assessed feature
age: 45 [0076] Suggested treatment: [0077] 1. Botulinum toxin
[0078] 2. Dermal fillers
[0079] Jenny can use the report to discuss treatment and
maintenance with her therapist or cosmetic surgeon. Once preferred
treatments have been decided this can be input to the system to
generate a treatment plan. An example is given below: [0080]
Cosmetic analysis for: Jenny [0081] Actual age: 35 [0082] Apparent
age: 40 [0083] Clinical treatment plan: [0084] Treatment target
area 1: Crows Feet [0085] Assessed feature age: 45 [0086] Planned
treatment: [0087] Botulinum toxin [0088] Treatment date scheduled:
29 Mar. 2009 [0089] Treatment target area 2: Neck bands [0090]
Assessed feature age: 45 [0091] Planned treatment: [0092] Dermal
fillers [0093] Treatment date scheduled: 29 Mar. 2009 [0094]
Ongoing care treatment plan: [0095] Treatment target area 1: Crows
Feet [0096] Assessed feature age: 45 [0097] Prescribed treatment:
[0098] Eye skin care: [0099] Daily: Moisturise area morning &
night (recommended products) [0100] Wear sunglasses in bright or
sunny environments. [0101] 5 minute eye relaxation exercises twice
daily [0102] Weekly: 20 minute cold compress. [0103] Treatment
target area 2: Neck bands [0104] Assessed feature age: 45 [0105]
Prescribed treatment: [0106] Skin care: [0107] Daily: Moisturise
area morning & night (recommended products). [0108] Wear
sunscreen (recommended products) [0109] Monthly: Firming mask
(recommended products)
[0110] Table B, below, is a section of a table for Caucasian males.
It can be observed from comparing Table A and Table B that although
the descriptions and weighting values for some body areas may be
the same for both males and females, the recommended treatments may
vary between males and females, for example based on the different
skin characteristics of males and females.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE B Weight- Rank ing Description Treatment Jaw
line A 1 Tight, no redundancy No therapy B 2 Soft jaw line
definition Thermage, botulinum toxin C 3 Some blurring of jaw line
Thermage, dermal and redundancy of tissues fillers, botulinum with
mild jowl formation toxin D 5 Indistinct jaw line with Thermage,
dermal quite obvious jowls fillers, suture lifting E 8 Significant
sagging Suture lifting obliterating jaw definition, severe jowls
Neck bands A 1 None No therapy B 2 Mild vertical banding on
Botulinum toxin certain facial movements, little or no horizontal
bands C 4 Moderate vertical banding Botulinum toxin on facial
movement and mild to moderate at rest, beginnings of horizontal
bands D 7 Moderate to severe vertical Suture lifting banding on
movement and moderate severe at rest with moderate redundancy,
moderate to severe horizontal banding E 10 Severe vertical banding
on Suture or surgical movement and severe at rest neck lifting with
severe redundancy, moderate to severe horizontal banding Crows Feet
A 1 None No therapy B 2 Lines only on movement Eye skin care,
+/-Botulinum toxin C 3 Moderate lines only on Eye skin care,
movement and mild at rest botulinum, Fraxel laser D 5 Severe lines
only on Eye skin care, movement and moderate botulinum toxin, at
rest Fraxel laser, Portrait plasma resurfacing or erbium laser
resurfacing E 7 Severe lines only on Eye skin care, movement and
severe Portrait plasma at res resurfacing or erbium laser
resurfacing
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